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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 4

Written Answers. - Book Allowance.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

174 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if, in the case of persons who are granted exemption under rule 5 of the rules of behaviour to participate on a course of education while in receipt of disability benefit, he will introduce a £200 book allowance similar to the allowance for those on the back to education allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21164/00]

The back to education allowance is a second chance educational opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate unemployed people, lone parents and certain people with disabilities to improve their skills and qualifications with a view to returning to the work force. The scheme includes a £200 allowance to meet the cost of books. The scheme applies to persons in receipt of long-term disability payments but does not apply to persons in receipt of disability benefit.

Under the disability benefit scheme it is possible for a person to be exempted from the rule that they undertake no paid work while in receipt of benefit. Such an exemption would enable the person to undertake part-time work of a rehabilitative or therapeutic nature or a training course to fit them for other work.

Exemptions are granted on a limited basis related to the particular circumstances of each case and the arrangements are quite different to the back to education allowance. In present circumstances it is not considered that payment of an additional allowance in such cases would be warranted.

Question No. 175 taken with Question No. 169.

Question No. 176 taken with Question No. 169.

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